Aircraft Storage

There are correct methods to short term and long term storage. It is vitally important that your aircraft engine and airframe don’t decay during that idle time. Improper storage could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. The engine is the most susceptible component during storage. Centreline Aviation can perform or assist you in storing your aircraft—carefully taking measures allowing for best aircraft condition after a long winter’s, or required break. See the next section on corrosion proofing.

SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM STORAGE: A FEW FACTS TO PONDER

FACT #1
Any flying machine will deteriorate. The speed in which deterioration takes place is proportional to the environmental conditions, time and manner in which the aircraft was stored. Engines deteriorate from the inside out.

FACT #2
Running an air-cooled, aircraft engine on the ground for half an hour will only mix up the moisture in the oil and crankcase and redistribute it. Unless the temperature of the engine exceeds the temperature of 212F or 100C for about an hour, the moisture will remain in the engine as the conduit of corrosion.

FACT #3
Contaminants in oil are detrimental to any engine. Changing the oil and filter to a preservative oil before any type of short or long term storage removes most of the contaminants and coats expensive components with a clean, sticky oil film protecting metal surfaces from the corrosion process.
Follow the recommendations of the preservative oil supplier.

FACT #4
Aircraft batteries must be removed from the aircraft while the aircraft is being stored for short or long periods of time. The battery will quickly sulphate when not in use, terminals can corrode and cases split if subjected to very cold temperatures. It is recommended that the battery is placed on a wood surface and an approved trickle charger/disulphate device is connected to the battery.

FACT #5
Corrosion treatment of the airframe before putting the aircraft into storage ensures that metal surfaces, steel control cables and hardware are protected against the corrosion process. It is recommended that a corrosion treatment is applied every 2 years or when the metal surface no longer retains the treatment.